Greater support for drivers without off-road EV charging required, says Fleet Evolution

Fleet Evolution is calling for increased support for drivers who cannot charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home.

It says that the greatest amount of thought, investment and strategic planning is now required for potential EV drivers, particularly at a local government level.

Andrew Leech, founder and managing director of the salary sacrifice and fleet management specialist, explained: “Where we need to see a coherent strategy from local government is in large conurbations where people park in the street, sometimes outside their own house, but not always, and where lack of charging is holding them back.”

Leech said a typical example was the Greater London area within the M25 where some 75% of residents had no access to home charging.

And he cited the need for greater use of and support for cross-pavement charging solutions, which connect to individual home chargers and don’t require trenching or subterranean infrastructure. 

Leech also welcomed the recent Government announcement that EV drivers without off-street parking can now access a 75% charge point grant up to a maximum of £350. 

The grant can be applied for by drivers of eligible EVs that own or rent a residential property in which they live.

They must have adequate on-street parking and permission from their local council to install a cross-pavement charging solution between their home and the approved parking space.

“We need better, more joined-up thinking from local government to provide these types of better resources for potential EV drivers who don’t have access to a garage or driveway,” Leech continued.  

“There could be greater policing of parking outside residents’ homes, for example, with fines for those who take someone else’s parking space, plus wider use of lamp-post charging.

“We need a strategy that focuses on and connects with the 40% who are in danger of being left behind in the electric revolution. And that will require greater action, more investment and a coherent, joined-up thinking from local authorities across the land.”

Fleet Evolution says it has had a record start to the year with burgeoning sales in Q1 as more drivers than ever before commit to switching to an electric car.

“This year looks set to be our most successful year on record and we are seeing increased orders for several reasons: much improved support from the vehicle manufacturers with 15-18% discounts on even volume models, with greater supply, shorter lead times and wider choice,” said Leech.